Zappos.com Launches Emerging Designer Program

Zappos.com, a leading destination in online apparel and footwear sales, today announces the launch of its new Emerging Designer Program—a program developed internally by Zappos employees for up-and-coming fashion designers looking to take their designs to a whole new level. The Emerging Designer Program provides talented people with the big break that every aspiring designer hopes for, but so few get—the opportunity to sell their line at a major retailer.

Emerging Designer 2012 (Photo: Business Wire)

“Over the past 11+ years, Zappos.com has continued to grow thanks to the overwhelming support of our customers and our vendors,” said Alison Callaway, Trend Manager for Zappos Development. “We want to turn that support around and help new talent get their first big break in the retail industry. It is our hope that by giving a national platform and exposure to millions of loyal Zappos customers, we can help give the next great designer, or brand, the chance they've been waiting for.”

Zappos.com is looking for designers that run the gamut—from dresses, to athletic wear, to accessories—and encourages anyone with a passion for design, and at the beginning stages of getting their collection off the ground, to participate in the Zappos.com Emerging Designer Program. A new designer will be selected each month and prominently featured on the Zappos.com site, along with a boutique page, which includes a bio, video interview, product shots and more. With each designer launch, Zappos will blog about it, promote the designer through Facebook and other social media channels, and receive an article placement in the monthly ZN iPad app magazine (Zappos Now).

Trend Manager, Natasha Pace knows what it can mean to a struggling designer to sell their designs on Zappos.com. “We recognize that there is so much undiscovered talent that exists in the fashion industry and we really want to be able to help designers that are at the beginning stages of getting their collection off the ground, to present their designs on a national level,” said Pace. “To me, that's what makes this program so unique and exciting—we're helping to make dreams come true.”

For Zappos customers, the Emerging Designer Program means they can be part of an exclusive group who get the first look at new trends, designs, and unique products that they won't see anywhere else—and have the opportunity to be the first to own them. The program will leave customers holding their breath to see what's next each and every month.

Designers looking to be considered into the Emerging Designers Program can email emergingdesigners@zappos.com and send images of their line, a brief bio, and/or a history of the line and where it is currently being sold.

About Zappos.com

Established in 1999, Zappos.com, operated by Zappos Development, has quickly become the leading destination in online apparel and footwear sales by striving to provide shoppers with the best possible service and selection. The Zappos Family generates gross merchandise sales exceeding $1 billion annually. Zappos.com currently showcases millions of products from over 1000 clothing and shoe brands. Zappos.com, Inc. was recognized in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 by FORTUNE MAGAZINE as one of the "100 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR". Zappos.com is also proud to be rated ELITE by STELLAService and was named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion, one of only 40 companies so named in the U.S. More information about the customer service philosophy, unique culture, and job openings can be found at http://about.zappos.com. More information about Zappos Insights, and its business membership program can be found at http://www.zapposinsights.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50166860&lang=en